Emma Raducanu was forced to retire during her first-round match at the Qatar Open on Monday after struggling physically in the deciding set against the Colombian qualifier Camila Osorio.
The British No 1 had taken a medical timeout early in the third set, during which her blood pressure was checked, before briefly returning to the court and then ending the match after losing the next game.
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Raducanu had made an encouraging start in Doha, closing out the opening set 6–2 in just over half an hour. It was a composed response following a demanding week in Romania, where she reached the final of the Transylvania Open and later described the defeat as “very difficult emotionally and physically”.
Osorio, ranked 80 in the world and fresh from a WTA Challenger title in Manila last month, recovered well after the first set. She began to dictate more from the baseline in the second, breaking Raducanu to move ahead 4–2 before taking the set 6–4.
The momentum continued at the start of the decider. Raducanu was broken in the opening game and appeared uncomfortable as she chose not to chase down a drop shot. She then called for the physio, holding a lengthy conversation off court before attempting to continue.
After returning, Raducanu lost the next game to love. She then walked to the net to shake Osorio’s hand, bringing her match to an early close.
The retirement follows a period of transition for Raducanu, who parted ways with coach Francisco Roig after her second-round exit at the Australian Open. She arrived in Doha looking to rebuild rhythm and confidence, but her immediate focus will now turn to recovery.
Tournament organisers said Raducanu withdrew on medical grounds. The WTA, which oversees the women’s tour calendar, notes that player welfare protocols require on-court medical assessments where there are signs of physical distress, including checks of vital signs, as outlined in its medical and competition regulations.
For Osorio, the victory sends her into the second round, while Raducanu will await further assessment before confirming her next appearance.
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[Image Credit | Tennis 365]
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